Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46
This course will examine key ideas and methodologies in music studies, incorporating approaches from a range of ‘disciplines’ such as musicology, ethnomusicology, performance studies, music education and community music. We will discuss a diverse range of topics including: cross cultural definitions of music; the role of music in society; different methodological approaches to the study of music history; how music is learnt in different places and times; and the relationship between music, economics and technology. The course will draw on case studies from musics both within the ‘western’ canon (such as European art music and popular music), as well as musical traditions from across the globe.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session | First Sub Session | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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What are the different ways in which we can study music? What is music? How do we approach the study of music from the past? And what about music in the present? Should we approach all musics in the same way? This course will address these questions and many more, offering you an introduction to music studies in the twenty-first century as well as providing the building blocks for your studies at Aberdeen.
The course will examine key ideas and methodologies in music studies, incorporating approaches from a range of ‘disciplines’ such as musicology, ethnomusicology, performance studies, music education and community music. We will discuss a diverse range of topics including but not limited to: cross cultural definitions of music; the role of music in society; different methodological approaches to the study of music history; how music is learnt in different places and times; and the relationship between music, economics and technology. The course will draw on case studies from musics both within the ‘western’ canon (such as European art music and popular music), as well as musical traditions from across the globe. All these musics will be treated as equal, avoiding hierarchies and assumptions around what is considered ‘good’ or ‘bad’ music. Moreover, we will seek to uncover the musical voices of communities that are often hidden or marginalised due to their gender, race or ethnicity.
The course will be delivered as 10 x 60-min lectures that cover different areas in music studies drawing on expertise from staff members in the department. As such, the course will be co-taught with a number of staff contributing lectures that cover the breadth of specialisms that we have here at the Department of Music. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of how we can approach the study of music in all its diversity. You will also learn some of the analytical skills necessary to succeed on your degree and the course will help you identify areas of interest for you to follow as you move through the programme.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18 | Feedback Weeks | 18,19 | |
| Feedback |
Tutorial leaders will provide informal feedback midway through the course with the final grade at the end of the course. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Understand | To develop an understanding of what music studies is and some of the key issues in the field. |
| Factual | Understand | To develop an awareness of what research means in music studies and key methodological approaches. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | To develop the critical skills necessary for the study of music at degree level. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 19 | Feedback Weeks | 22 | |
| Feedback |
Students will be able to pick the topic for their essay from a series of questions provided, which will enable them to reflect on approaches learned throughout the course. The essay will also enable them to develop skills in academic writing. Feedback will be provided within three weeks of submission. |
Word Count | 2000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Understand | To develop an understanding of what music studies is and some of the key issues in the field. |
| Factual | Understand | To develop an awareness of what research means in music studies and key methodological approaches. |
| Procedural | Apply | To develop the skills necessary to research topics related to music and to present findings in written and oral forms. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | To develop the critical skills necessary for the study of music at degree level. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 14,15,16,17,18 | Feedback Weeks | 19 | |
| Feedback |
Students will be tasked with delivering a group presentation (in groups of 4 or 5) on an aspect of the course, enabling them to develop research and oral communication skills in a team setting. Presentations will be held in the final 2-3 weeks of the course during tutorials. A grade and feedback will be provided at the end of the course. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Analyse | To develop basic skills in analysing a range of musical styles and to situate different musics in their social, political and cultural contexts. |
| Procedural | Apply | To develop the skills necessary to research topics related to music and to present findings in written and oral forms. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students will be able to pick the topic for their essay (3000 words) from a series of questions provided, which will enable them to reflect on approaches learned throughout the course. The essay will also enable them to develop skills in academic writing. Feedback will be provided towards within three weeks of submission. |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Understand | To develop an understanding of what music studies is and some of the key issues in the field. |
| Factual | Understand | To develop an awareness of what research means in music studies and key methodological approaches. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | To develop the critical skills necessary for the study of music at degree level. |
| Procedural | Analyse | To develop basic skills in analysing a range of musical styles and to situate different musics in their social, political and cultural contexts. |
| Procedural | Apply | To develop the skills necessary to research topics related to music and to present findings in written and oral forms. |
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